Power Rankings: OHL Classic at Mayakoba

There's an argument that of the six tournaments comprising the new prelude of the 2013-14 season, the OHL Classic at Mayakoba benefits the most. All are improved as a result of the revamped wraparound schedule, and the annual stop at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, was already included in the tournaments that contribute to the FedExCup, but it's always big news when an additional event is rewarded a home as a stand-alone event no matter when.

In November of 2011, the Madrid-based title sponsor, which, along with providing other solutions, bills itself as the "world leader in hospital and railway construction," agreed to a partnership with the PGA TOUR through 2018. In return, while the tournament wasn't contested during the 2013 season, tournament organizers were given the anchor position of the fall portion of the current slate. The purse has ballooned to $6 million (an increase of $2.3 million) and a full allotment of FedExCup points will be distributed. For the first time, the champion will be awarded an exemption into the Masters Tournament.

As you'd expect with considerable enhancements, this year's field of 132 is arguably the best in the seven-year history of the event. It will be competing on what was the hardest golf course (of eight) measuring less than 7,000 yards in 2012. El Camaleon is a par 36-35=71 that can top out at 6,987 yards. It averaged 71.651 in 2012 to clinch its second consecutive year as the fifth-most difficult par 71 on the schedule.

El Camaleon played as a par 70 from 2007-2009 before the eighth hole was modified into a par 5. In advance of the 2012 edition, holes 1, 2 and 3 shifted to play as Nos. 7, 8 and 9, respectively, while holes 4-9 slid to 1-6 in order. This was done to help with flow throughout the property. The rearrangement resulted in two par 5s measuring 554 yards in a three-hole stretch (Nos. 5 and 7).

How the course plays in November versus its original slot in February remains to be seen, but rain is expected throughout the week. Temperatures will climb into the mid-80s and ocean breezes are always a factor along the Riviera Maya. It's this challenge that has led to tempered metrics from tee-to-green over the years. In 2012, the field hit just 60.14 percent of the fairways (20th-lowest on TOUR) and 63.59 of the greens in regulation (21st). Saving par was no bargain, either, at 55.97 percent (18th). Regardless of conditions, the Greg Norman design has always rewarded veteran ball-strikers.

NOTE: For similar characteristics among all winners of the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, please look for "Stats Suggest" in The Stats Report on Wednesday.